Bad Credit • First‑Time Buyer
A clear, practical guide to your options — including when a 5% deposit can still work, how lenders view CCJs over time, and smart steps to improve approval odds.
Shortcut: Prefer a deep dive? See our pillar guide → First‑Time Buyer Mortgages with Bad Credit.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is issued by the courts when a debt isn’t repaid. It usually stays on your credit file for six years from the judgment date. Even when marked as satisfied, some lenders may still treat it as higher risk.
Can First‑Time Buyers Get a Mortgage with a CCJ?
Yes — but your chances depend on a few key factors:
- Age of the CCJ: Older is always better.
- Satisfied or not: Not always required, but helps.
- Size of the CCJ: Smaller amounts are treated more lightly.
- Deposit size: Bigger deposits give more lender options.
Good news: Some lenders may accept CCJs over 2 years old with just a 5% deposit if the rest of your case is strong.
How Lenders View CCJs Over Time
| CCJ Age | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| < 12 months | Very limited options; usually need a large deposit. |
| 1–2 years | Some options; often a 15–30% deposit required. |
| 2+ years | Wider choice; some lenders allow 5–10% deposit. |
| 3–6 years | Most specialist lenders are open to lending. |
| 6+ years | CCJ typically drops off your credit file. |
Deposit Requirements
- Standard first‑time buyer: 5–10% deposit.
- With a CCJ < 2 years old: Often 15–30% deposit.
- With a CCJ 2+ years old: Some lenders accept just 5%.
Related: How Much Deposit Do First‑Time Buyers Need with Bad Credit?
Which Lenders Accept CCJs?
- High street banks: Usually decline cases where CCJs are visible.
- Specialist lenders: More flexible — especially when the CCJ is older and the deposit is stronger. Some will effectively ignore CCJs over ~2–3 years old.
Real‑World Examples
Case A — Recent CCJ
Liam had a £1,500 CCJ in 2023. With a 25% deposit, a specialist lender agreed to a mortgage.
Case B — Older CCJ with 5% Deposit
Amelia had a CCJ in 2020. By 2024 (over two years old), she secured a mortgage with just a 5% deposit.
Practical Next Steps
- Check your full credit report and confirm the CCJ date/status.
- If recent, focus on saving a larger deposit (15–30%).
- If 2+ years old, you may qualify from 5–10%.
- Settle the CCJ if possible — not essential, but strengthens the case.
- Use a whole‑of‑market broker (some lenders are broker‑only).
Check all three credit files in one place
Use our partner link to view your data across agencies. This won’t harm your score.
FAQs – First‑Time Buyer Mortgages with CCJs
Do I need to settle my CCJ before applying?
Not always, but it improves your chances.
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ less than 12 months old?
Yes, but you’ll usually need a bigger deposit (around 15–30%).
Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ and 5% deposit?
Yes — if the CCJ is over two years old and the rest of your profile is strong.
Do high street banks accept CCJs?
Typically no — you’ll likely need a specialist lender.
Will CCJs stop me forever?
No — they usually drop off your credit file after six years.
Need tailored advice? Our team has placed many first‑time buyers with historic CCJs. Start your application and we’ll map the best route for you.
Further Reading on First-Time Buyers with Bad Credit
Getting a Mortgage as a First-Time Buyer
Deposit Requirements for First-Time Buyers
Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers
Improve Your Chances of Approval
Finding Lenders with Bad Credit
Mortgages After IVA
Mortgages with a DMP
Mortgages with Defaults
Mortgages After Bankruptcy
Remortgaging with Bad Credit
95% Mortgage Options with Bad Credit
Further Reading – Government Schemes
Ready to start your first-time buyer journey?
Apply now and we’ll check which lenders may accept you – even with bad credit.
